A system for basic-level network fault management based on the GSM short message service (SMS)

This work describes the design and implementation of a distributed system which uses the wireless GSM short message service (SMS) data transfer technology to give network managers access to services on remote network equipment via a cellular phone. Existing work has been restricted to simple network monitoring, i.e. one way transmission of alert messages from network monitoring application to designated mobile phones, through a GSM modem connected to the computer hosting the monitoring application. In our work, we develop a multi-user, multi-session, two-way network management system via SMS. First, we present the SMS mechanism and discuss its features and restrictions. Then, we analyze the requirements of our system, and present a design of distributed architecture for it. Next we present in detail our implementation of the proposed system, based on Java servlet technology. Finally, we report our experiences with using it, and propose directions for future work.